Wouxun KG-UV8H: Our recommended dual-band handheld amateur radio

We have a long-standing relationship with Wouxun, and with good reason. Their reputation for manufacturing quality radios at very affordable prices is well established around the world. Some of their most recent products are very highly rated and proven to be extremely popular, which is why today we're announcing the release of a new amateur dual-band HT that we are incredibly excited about. It's the Wouxun KG-UV8H, a transceiver with more power, features and functionality than any other Wouxun handheld available in its class to date. The KG-UV8H is exclusive to Buy Two Way Radios and we believe it is Wouxun's best analog HT, ever!

The KG-UV8H is the latest offering from the same company that brought us the venerable Wouxun KG-UV8D. The 8D platform, which includes the KG-UV8D Plus, continues to be popular simply due to its overall value. A 2m/70cm dual-band radio with a color display and advanced features like cross-band repeat just shouldn't be available at such a low price point, yet the KG-UV8D delivers it all. It's no wonder Wouxun gained so many fans with this model! As such, the KG-UV8H is built from the same form factor.

Now that we've learned of its origin, let's go through some of the new features and discover what sets the KG-UV8H apart from its predecessors.

Improved Display Orientation and Size

The first thing you'll likely notice about the 8H is the display. While the actual display area on the KG-UV8H is only around 2mm larger than the KG-UV8D and KG-UV9D, it feels bigger when you're actively using the radio. This is most probably due to its orientation. In previous models, the LCD display was oriented in a portrait position. For the 8H, the screen has been flipped to a landscape presentation, so it is wider than it is tall. This provides a more natural field of view on the screen. But the best part is that the loss of height was handled very well. Previously the A and B areas were always the same size. Now, the currently selected area is larger and the non-selected area is condensed. I actually consider this a valuable feature, as this visual cue makes readily apparent which area is active.

Improved Display Color

The Wouxun KG-UV8H has added the ability to customize the screen colors with four themes. Two themes have a white background, similar to the KG-UV8D, and two have black backgrounds. The black background is the default, and I find it to be more modern looking as well as easier to read.

8 Watts Power

The default maximum power capability of the KG-UV8H has been increased to 8 watts on VHF and 6 watts on UHF. Our customers seem to love higher powered radios, so this will likely be a popular feature.

Actually, Wouxun has the ability to make this a full 10 watt radio, but we asked them to dial it back to safer 8 watts. The reality is that eight watts is about as high as a portable handheld radio can go and still pass a SAR test, which is a safety test that measures RF exposure. Unlike transceivers used for other services, amateur radios aren't required to pass this test. However, it seems prudent to have the radio be capable of passing this check to ensure personal safety.

This reduction in wattage also makes sense from a practical point of view. The increase from 8 watts to 10 watts will have a minimal effect on range, and in many situations none at all, but will be a much bigger battery drain on the unit, significantly decreasing service uptime and operating efficiency. Nonetheless, let us know in the comments below if you think we made the right decision here, or if you'd rather see a 10 watt version!

IP66 Waterproof

Wouxun has improved the waterproof rating of the KG-UV8H to IP66. At this level, the radio can handle powerful jets of water, but not complete immersion. The accessory cover is now held down with a screw and has a rubber seal. The connectors between the radio and battery are also sealed, further increasing resistance to dust and water ingress.

NOAA Weather Mode (with Alerts)

For the first time, we have a true NOAA weather mode in a Wouxun amateur HT. This feature is also easy to activate and access. Hold down the "1" key from the main screen to enter weather mode. From there you will find a bank of US and Canadian weather broadcast frequencies to select. Your last selected frequency is always tuned automatically when you enter this mode.

A new menu option WX ALT (#57) has also been added. When this mode is active, the radio will scan in the background for a 1050Hz tone on the currently selected weather channel. This is the tone transmitted by NOAA broadcast stations to indicate an alert. If the tone is discovered, an alert sound is played.

Standard High Capacity Battery (3200mAh)

A very high capacity 3200mAh battery is included with the KG-UV8H by default. This is a 23% capacity improvement over the high capacity battery available for the KG-UV8D and 88% more capacity than the standard battery. The battery upgrade alone will save many customers from having to purchase a separate accessory.

KG-UV8H or KG-UV9D/KG-UV9P

Obviously the new KG-UV8H is a better radio hands-down than the current KG-UV8D Plus, but what about the KG-UV9D and KG-UV9P models? Does it make them obsolete?

Absolutely not. Where the KG-UV9D/P has the advantage is in the wide RX range. If you need to listen on airband or 700-900 MHz frequencies, the KG-UV9D/P is the clear choice for you. However, in our experience as a two way radio dealer, most customers simply aren't concerned about those frequency ranges.

Things like a readable display, NOAA weather mode, and a high level of waterproofing are important and make the KG-UV8H stand out from the rest of the crowd. For most of our customers, we think the KG-UV8H is the clear choice, at least for now.